5 Reasons To Eat More Tomatoes

It is often said that gastronomy could not survive without tomatoes. They are the component that gives our dishes body, flavor and color … What would we do without them? In case you don’t know all its properties, here are some reasons to eat more tomatoes.

We consume them in stir-fries, in sauces of all kinds, naturally in salads and even in juices. Yes, we love tomatoes and they are almost never lacking in the fridge.

Now, there are those who avoid them because they produce heartburn, as well as people who do not include them regularly in their diet. In this way, a large number of nutrients and health properties are lost. Next, we want to explain everything that tomatoes do for you.

5 reasons to eat more tomatoes

1. They help prevent heart problems

Tomatoes are part of what is considered a healthy diet. The first thing that strikes us about them is their color: an intense red. As with fruits, the higher the coloration, the higher the number of antioxidants.

In the case of tomato, one of its healthiest elements is lycopene, a phytochemical that takes care of heart health, according to a study published in 2017. Lycopene is a carotenoid and phytochemical pigment; It is a powerful antioxidant that takes care of cells and protects them from free radicals.

What lycopene does is release electrons into the blood, which are captured by free radicals. With this, they are prevented from damaging the molecules and cell membranes.

As a curious fact, we tell you that lycopene increases its bioavailability if we combine tomato with olive oil and cook it. Therefore, do not hesitate: prepare delicious tomato sauces.

2. Regulate tension

If your doctor has pointed out that your blood pressure is too high and you have to watch your diet, don’t hesitate. Starting today, increase the doses of tomato in your diet. Salads, natural juices and light sauces without salt are some simple ideas that will help you.

The aforementioned lycopene, as well as potassium, will help us to promote circulation and prevent the accumulation of fluids. This will result in regulation of blood pressure levels.

3. They protect against various types of cancer

The tomato will not prevent 100% the possibility of suffering from cancer, this must be made clear. In reality, what it does is act at the cellular level to nourish, defend and strengthen tissues against the attack of free radicals. A healthy diet will always serve as protection; that’s something we can never overlook.

Tomato, for example, is one of the foods richest in antioxidants that we can find. Together with lycopene and other elements such as glutathione, they will take care of the DNA of cells and help prevent them from mutating and altering them at the cellular level,  according to an article published in the journal Medicine.

4. They help eliminate toxins from the body

How about preparing a breakfast of rye bread with some cherry tomatoes , a cup of white tea and an apple? It is a healthy, satisfying option and, in addition, it helps to eliminate harmful elements from the body.

All foods rich in antioxidants act as good purifiers, as they ensure liver health and function. That list also includes cucumbers, tomatoes, aubergines, and artichokes.

5. They are good for diabetics

According to the American Diabetes Association, regular consumption of tomatoes is very suitable for people with diabetes. It is because it is a food with a low glycemic level that provides us with multiple nutrients:

• Calcium.
• Potassium.
• Fiber.
• Magnesium.
• Vitamins A (as carotenoids), C and E.

However, it should be noted that regular tomato intake has no effect on reducing insulin resistance or other markers associated with this pathology.

Recipe for purifying juice based on watermelon, mint and tomatoes

This refreshing juice is suitable to start the day. It is simple to prepare and, if you take advantage of the watermelon season, you will enjoy a drink that is both healthy and delicious.

Ingredients 

• 300 g of watermelon.
• 2 medium ripe tomatoes.
• 150 ml of water.
• 3 peppermint leaves.
• 2 ice cubes.

Preparation

• Remove the seeds from the watermelon piece.
• Clean the tomatoes and cut them in half.
• In a mortar, chop the mint leaves a little to bring out their essential oils.

• Process the tomatoes with their skin in the blender, to later include the watermelon.
• When they have become a rather thick paste, add the water and the crushed mint leaves.
• Get a very homogeneous juice and drink it. Enjoy it with two ice cubes!

Put tomatoes in your usual diet!

The reasons for eating more tomatoes are varied. Remember that this fruit, as well as many other vegetables, make up the basis of a healthy diet, which in turn will allow us to lead a healthy life with less risk of disease.

Try to combine a healthy and balanced diet with regular exercise to improve your health.